Chris Young

Rookie Sunderland full-back Tommy Robson has penned a new two-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

Under-21s regular Robson has been on the fringes of the first-team squad for the last two seasons, although the left-back is yet to make his competitive bow for the Black Cats.

But Robson is highly-rated by Sunderland’s coaching staff and has been training with the first team, while travelling with the rest of the squad to Manchester City last weekend.

The 20-year-old’s potential has been rewarded by agreeing fresh terms at Sunderland.

One of his extra two years at the club will be beyond the U21 age group – a change of policy from Sunderland, who have not tended to keep youngsters under contract after the development squad cut-off point.

After penning a new deal, Robson could now head out on loan in the New Year, with League One club Wigan one of several sides who have kept tabs on him over recent months.

Allardyce is keen for the Wearsiders’ promising youngsters to get competitive experience down the football pyramid and there are likely to be several of the table-topping U21s squad heading out this month.

Meanwhile, Robson’s namesake Josh Robson has also agreed a new contract after penning his first professional deal which will run until the summer of 2018.

Right-back Robson has broken into the U21 squad this season and was an unused substitute for Sunderland’s Capital One Cup win over Exeter in August.